U.S. patent application number 15/402727 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-12 for cutting assembly for a plant cutting machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to CNH Industrial America LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CNH Industrial America LLC. Invention is credited to John Conroy, Joel Cook.
Application Number | 20180192581 15/402727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62781741 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180192581 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cook; Joel ; et al. |
July 12, 2018 |
CUTTING ASSEMBLY FOR A PLANT CUTTING MACHINE
Abstract
A cutting assembly comprising a drive arm assembly and knife
head assembly for a header of a plant-cutting machine is disclosed.
The drive arm assembly generally includes a drive unit connected to
a pivotable drive member and a bearing element with a rounded head.
The knife head assembly generally includes a mounting bar and a
clamping portion that collectively form a cavity for receiving the
bearing element and forming a pivot joint. The knife head assembly
is attached to a cutter bar such that the operation of the drive
unit causes the cutter bar to have substantially linear motion by
way of the pivot joint.
Inventors: |
Cook; Joel; (Lititz, PA)
; Conroy; John; (Ephrata, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CNH Industrial America LLC |
New Holland |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CNH Industrial America LLC
New Holland
PA
|
Family ID: |
62781741 |
Appl. No.: |
15/402727 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01D 34/30 20130101;
A01D 34/145 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01D 34/04 20060101
A01D034/04; A01D 34/30 20060101 A01D034/30; A01D 34/14 20060101
A01D034/14 |
Claims
1. A header for a plant cutting machine comprising: a drive arm
assembly including: a drive member having: a proximal end
configured for attachment to a drive unit for reciprocating motion
therewith, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and a bearing
element having a rounded head, wherein the bearing element is
connectable to the distal end of the drive member; and a knife head
assembly including: a mounting bar, and a clamping portion
connectable to the mounting bar, wherein the mounting bar and
clamping portion collectively form a cavity for receiving the
rounded head of the bearing element.
2. The header of claim 1, wherein reciprocating motion of the drive
arm assembly drives substantially linear motion of the knife head
assembly along a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal
length of the mounting bar.
3. The header of claim 1, wherein the rounded head is mounted
within the cavity defining a pivot joint.
4. The header of claim 1, wherein the bearing element further
includes a bearing surrounding the rounded head.
5. The header of claim 1, wherein the bearing element further
includes a shaft extending from the rounded head and connected to
the drive member.
6. The header of claim 5, wherein the shaft is integrally formed
with the rounded head.
7. The header of claim 1, wherein the clamping portion and mounting
bar define an opening substantially facing the distal end of the
drive member and in communication with the cavity for receiving the
bearing element.
8. The header of claim 7, wherein the opening faces a direction
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal length of the
mounting bar and substantially parallel to an upper surface of the
mounting bar.
9. The header of claim 1, wherein the bearing element is integrally
formed with the clamping portion.
10. The header of claim 1, wherein the clamping portion includes an
inner concave bearing for engaging the rounded head.
11. The header of claim 1, wherein the mounting bar includes a
concave portion for receiving the rounded head.
12. The header of claim 1, further comprising a seal between the
bearing element and the clamping portion.
13. A drive arm assembly for a plant cutting machine, comprising: a
drive member that includes: a proximal end configured for
attachment to a drive unit for reciprocating motion therewith, and
a distal end opposite the proximal end; and a bearing element that
includes: a rounded head for connecting to a knife head assembly,
and a shaft extending from the rounded head and connectable to the
distal end of the drive member.
14. The drive arm assembly of claim 13, further comprising a seal
circumscribing the bearing element.
15. The drive arm assembly of claim 13, wherein the shaft is
integrally formed with the rounded head.
16. The drive arm assembly of claim 13, wherein the bearing element
further includes a bearing surrounding the rounded head.
17. A knife head assembly for a plant cutting machine, comprising:
a mounting bar; and a clamping portion connectable to the mounting
bar, wherein the mounting bar and clamping portion collectively
form a cavity for receiving a bearing element of a drive arm
assembly.
18. The knife head assembly of claim 17, wherein the clamping
portion includes an inner concave bearing.
19. The knife head assembly of claim 18, wherein the mounting bar
includes a concave portion for receiving the inner concave
bearing.
20. The knife head assembly of claim 17, wherein the clamping
portion and mounting bar define an opening in communication with
the cavity for receiving the bearing element, and wherein the
opening faces a direction substantially transverse to a
longitudinal length of the mounting bar.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a cutting
assembly for a header of a plant cutting machine (e.g., a combine
harvester) and, more specifically, to a cutting assembly suitable
for mounting proximate to a header using a pivot joint.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cutting assemblies of large headers of plant cutting
machines are typically driven either from near the center of the
header or from an end of the header by an oscillating drive. Both a
center driven and a side driven header have advantages and
disadvantages over the other.
[0003] In the case of a side driven header, i.e. a header having a
driver located in one of the sides of the header, an advantageous
aspect is that the driver does not obstruct or interfere with how
plants are cut. However, a disadvantageous aspect is that the
weight of the oscillating drive is concentrated at the end of the
header. Because the weight is distally concentrated, the structure
of the header must be reinforced to properly accommodate this
stress. Additionally, relatively long drive lines are generally
required to establish a connection between the oscillating drive
and the power source, such as a combine attached to the header, the
connections of which are more proximate to the center of the
header.
[0004] While a center driven header may rectify some of the
disadvantages of a side driven header such as the weight
distribution, a more prevalent problem presents itself.
Specifically, the use of a center driven header typically requires
an assembly extending up above and connected to the cutter
assemblies. Consequently, the space for collecting cut plants must
also rise which creates inefficiencies, increases the moment of
forces and waste.
[0005] Additionally, a problem that exists between both a side
driven and a center driven header is the connecting mechanism
between the cutter assembly and the driver. As a plant cutting
machine is operated, it travels over great distances on non-planar
ground. Therefore, the connecting mechanism should preferably be
able to accommodate the shift in ground level as the plant-cutting
machine is operated, however, a rigid construction creates
unnecessary stress on the assembly, thereby reducing its life
expectancy and efficiency.
[0006] Accordingly, what is sought is a cutting assembly that is
efficiently removable and is compatible with a drive mounted
proximate the center of the header and that increases efficiency
with space claims above the cutter assembly. When the disclosed
invention is used in combination with such a drive, the invention
overcomes one or more of the disadvantages referenced above by
providing more flexibility with space issues and connections at the
cutter assembly to driver connection.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a cutting assembly capable of
translating substantially straight line motion to a knife head that
can be located either central to or at a side of a header's cutter
bar assembly.
[0008] In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, there is provided a header for a plant cutting
machine that comprises a drive arm assembly and a knife head
assembly. The drive arm assembly includes a drive member having a
proximal end configured for attachment to a drive unit for
reciprocating motion therewith and a distal end opposite the
proximal end. The drive arm assembly further includes a bearing
element having a rounded head that is connectable to the distal end
of the drive member. The knife head assembly includes a mounting
bar and a clamping portion connectable to the mounting bar. The
mounting bar and clamping portion collectively forming a cavity for
receiving the rounded head of the bearing element.
[0009] An aspect of the first exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is that the reciprocating motion of the drive arm
assembly drives substantially linear motion of the knife head
assembly along a direction that is substantially parallel to a
longitudinal length of the mounting bar. Another aspect of the
first exemplary embodiment is that the rounded head is mounted
within the cavity defining a pivot joint. In an alternate aspect,
the bearing element includes a bearing surrounding the rounded
head. Another aspect of the bearing element is that it includes a
shaft that extends from the rounded head and which is connected to
the drive member. Additionally, the shaft is integrally formed with
the rounded head.
[0010] An aspect of the knife head assembly is that the clamping
portion and mounting bar define an opening that substantially faces
the distal end of the drive member and is in communication with the
cavity for receiving the bearing element. It is preferred that the
opening faces a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a
longitudinal length of the mounting bar and substantially parallel
to an upper surface of the mounting bar. In an alternative aspect,
the bearing element is integrally formed with the clamping
portion.
[0011] Another aspect of the knife head assembly is that the
clamping portion includes an inner concave bearing for engaging the
rounded head. The mounting bar also includes a concave portion for
receiving the rounded head. Additionally, the clamping portion
further includes a seal between the bearing element and the
clamping portion.
[0012] In accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, there is provided a drive arm assembly for a
plant cutting machine that comprises a drive member and a bearing
element. The drive member includes a proximal end configured for
attachment to a drive unit for reciprocating motion therewith and a
distal end opposite the proximal end. The bearing element includes
a rounded head for connecting to a knife head assembly and a shaft
extending from the rounded head that is connectable to the distal
end of the drive member.
[0013] An aspect of the second exemplary embodiment is that it
further comprises a seal that circumscribes the bearing element.
Additionally, the shaft is integrally formed with the rounded head.
The bearing element may further include a bearing surrounding the
rounded head.
[0014] In accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, there is a provided a knife head assembly for a
plant cutting machine comprising a mounting bar and a clamping
portion connectable to the mounting bar. The mounting bar and
clamping portion collectively form a cavity for receiving a bearing
element of a drive arm assembly.
[0015] An aspect of the third exemplary embodiment is that the
clamping portion can include an inner concave bearing.
Additionally, the mounting bar can also include a concave portion
for receiving the inner concave bearing. Another aspect of the
third exemplary embodiment is that the clamping portion and
mounting bar define an opening in communication with the cavity for
receiving the bearing element, wherein the opening faces a
direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal length of the
mounting bar.
[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following more detail description of the
exemplary embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention, will be
better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are
shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments. It should be
understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the
precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an agricultural
harvester including a header in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of cutting assemblies
of the agricultural harvester of FIG. 1 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cutting assembly of FIG. 2
with certain parts omitted;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a exploded perspective view of the cutting
assembly of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a drive member of the drive
arm assembly of FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bearing element of the
drive arm assembly of FIG. 3;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting arm of the knife
head assembly of FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a clamping portion of the
knife head assembly of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the drive arm assembly of
FIG. 2;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the knife head assembly of
FIG. 2;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the drive arm
assembly and knife head assembly of FIG. 3 taken along lines
A-A;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a front cross-sectional view of the drive arm
assembly and knife head assembly of FIG. 3 taken along lines
B-B;
[0030] FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of the drive arm assembly
and knife head assembly of FIG. 3 in a first operational position;
and
[0031] FIG. 13B is a top perspective view of the drive arm assembly
and knife head assembly of FIG. 3 in a second operational
position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to the various
embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or like
reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to
the same or like features. It should be noted that the drawings are
in simplified form and are not drawn to precise scale. Certain
terminology is used in the following description for convenience
only and is not limiting. Directional terms such as top, bottom,
left, right, above, below and diagonal, are used with respect to
the accompanying drawings. The term "distal" shall mean away from
the center of a body. The term "proximal" shall mean closer towards
the center of a body and/or away from the "distal" end. The words
"inwardly" and "outwardly" refer to directions toward and away
from, respectively, the geometric center of the identified element
and designated parts thereof. Such directional terms used in
conjunction with the following description of the drawings should
not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention in any
manner not explicitly set forth. Additionally, the term "a," as
used in the specification, means "at least one." The terminology
includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives
thereof, and words of similar import.
[0033] The terms "grain," "ear," "stalk," "leaf," and "crop
material" are used throughout the specification for convenience and
it should be understood that these terms are not intended to be
limiting. Thus, "grain" refers to that part of a crop which is
harvested and separated from discardable portions of the crop
material. The header of the present invention is applicable to a
variety of crops, including but not limited to wheat, soybeans and
small grains. The terms "debris," "material other than grain," and
the like are used interchangeably.
[0034] "About" as used herein when referring to a measurable value
such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to
encompass variations of .+-.20%, .+-.10%, .+-.5%, .+-.1%, or
.+-.0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are
appropriate.
[0035] Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the present
invention can be presented in a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the present invention.
Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to
have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to
have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1
to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as
well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2,
2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of
the range.
[0036] Furthermore, the described features, advantages and
characteristics of the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more
embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in
light of the description herein, that the present invention can be
practiced without one or more of the specific features or
advantages of a particular exemplary embodiment. In other
instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in
certain embodiments that may not be present in all exemplary
embodiments of the present invention.
[0037] Referring now to the drawings, wherein aspects of the
subject application are shown, FIGS. 1-13B illustrate an
agricultural harvester 100 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. For exemplary purposes only,
the agricultural harvester is illustrated as a combine harvester.
The harvester 100 includes a header 102 having a first cutting
assembly 200A and a second cutting assembly 200B. The first and
second cutting assemblies 200A, 200B are essentially identical, and
therefore details hereto will be provided only as to one the first
cutting assembly 200A (hereto referred as "cutting assembly 200A").
However, it is understood that the first and second cutting
assemblies 200A, 200B need not be identical and that the second
cutting assembly 200B can be arranged in ways commonly known in the
art.
[0038] The cutting assembly 200A includes a drive arm assembly 900,
a knife head assembly 1000, a first cutter bar 202A and a drive
unit 400. The drive arm assembly 900 includes a drive member 500
and a bearing element 600. The drive member 500 has a proximal end
502 configured for attachment to the drive unit 400 for
reciprocating motion therewith and a distal end 504 opposite the
proximal end 502. The bearing element 600 includes a rounded head
602 and is connectable to the distal end 504 of the drive member
500. The knife head assembly 1000 includes a mounting bar 700 and a
clamping portion 800. The clamping portion 800 is connectable to
the mounting bar 700 such that they collectively form a cavity 1002
for receiving the rounded head 602 of the bearing element 600.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the header 102 is attached
to a forward end of the harvester 100, which is configured to cut
crops, including (without limitation) small grains (e.g., wheat,
soybeans, grain, etc.), and to induct the cut crops into a
feederhouse 106 as the harvester moves forward over a crop
field.
[0040] The header 102 includes a floor 104 that is supported in
desired proximity to the surface of a crop field and the first and
second cutting assemblies 200A, 200B that extend transversely along
a forward edge of the floor 104 i.e., in a widthwise direction of
the harvester. The first and second cutting assemblies 200A, 200B
are configured to cut crops in preparation for induction into the
feederhouse 106. Additionally, the header 102 can include, for
example, an elongate, transversely extending harvesting reel 108
disposed above the first and second cutting assemblies 200A, 200B.
The harvesting reel 108 is rotatable in a direction suitable for
facilitating the induction of cut crops into the feederhouse 106.
The header 102 can further include an elongate, rotatable auger
which extends in close proximity to the first and second cutting
assemblies 200A, 200B. The auger is configured to cooperate with
the harvesting reel 108 in conveying cut crops to the feederhouse
106, which is configured to convey the cut crops into the harvester
102 for threshing and cleaning. While the foregoing aspects of the
harvester are being described with respect to the header shown, the
cutting assembly of the subject application can be applied to any
other header having use for such a cutting assembly.
[0041] The cutting assemblies 200A, 200B extend along a forward
edge 110 of the floor 104, and are generally bounded by a first
side edge 112 and an opposing second side edge 114, both adjacent
to the floor 104. The cutting assemblies 200A, 200B include the
first cutter bar 202A and the second cutter bar 202B, respectfully.
The first and second cutter bars 202A, 202B are movable and engage
in reciprocating motion. The mechanisms of such cutter bars are
known in the art and a typical cutter bar applicable to the present
exemplary embodiment is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,151,547, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein for
all purposes.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 4, the drive unit 400 includes a
motor, such as an electric or hydraulically driven motor, to drive
rotation of an output shaft 402 extending outwardly from the drive
unit 400. The output shaft 402 is configured as shown in FIG. 4.
Preferably, the output shaft 402 is cylindrical in shape and has
ridges and channels circumscribing the output shaft 402. It is
appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the output
shaft 402 can take different shapes such as rectangular prisms. The
mechanisms of such drive units are known in the art and a typical
drive unit applicable to the present embodiment is disclosed in
U.S. Pub. No. 2016/0073586, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 and 9, the drive member 500 is
configured as shown. The drive member 500 has a proximal end 502
configured for attachment to the output shaft 402 by mechanisms
well known in the art, one of which is discussed in greater detail
below using brackets 506. The drive member 500 additionally has a
distal end 504 opposite the proximal end 502. In accordance with an
exemplary embodiment, the drive member 500 includes a gap 508
located substantially centrally to the body of the drive member 500
for connection with a connecting bracket 510. In the present
embodiment, the drive member 500 has a trapezoidal shape having a
shorter side near the distal end 504 and a longer side near the
proximal end 502. The sides of the drive member 500 however do not
need to be linear and are instead curved. The benefit of having
curved sides is that they help conserve space limitations and
minimize clearances between the components of the cutting assembly
200A and the header 102.
[0044] It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that the shape
of the drive member 500 may vary and may instead be a different
shape, such as a rectangle. Additionally, it is understood that the
drive member 500 does not need to be planar and may include grooves
or other features for engaging other elements or for the benefit of
space claim concerns inside the header 102.
[0045] Drive member 500 further includes a through-hole 512
extending from the distal end 504 towards the proximal end 502 in
communication with the gap 508. The through-hole 512 extends
through a distally facing side 514 of the drive member 500. The
drive member 500 also has a pair of through-holes 516 extending
from its distal end 504 to the proximal end 502 coinciding with a
pair of screw-holes 404 on the connecting bracket 510. In the
preferred embodiment, the screw-holes 404 are threaded and the
through-holes 516 are clearance holes configured to align with the
screw-holes 404 to create a screw connection. It is appreciated,
however, that the connection can be configured in any other way
known in the art, including, but not limited to, threading the
through-holes 516 or making screw-holes 404 clearance-hole.
[0046] In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the through-hole 512
has a substantially consistent diameter, however, in an alternate
embodiment the through-hole 512 may be tapered such that the
through-hole 512 has a smaller diameter closer to the proximal end
502 and a larger diameter closer to the distal end 504. Although
the above through-holes 512, 516 are described with reference to
diameters, it is understood that they are not limited as such; the
through-holes 512, 516 may instead be different shapes such as, for
example, squares.
[0047] The drive member 500 is configured to attach to one or more
brackets 506, such as the connecting bracket 510. The connecting
bracket 510 is configured as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
Specifically, the connecting bracket 510 has an aperture 406
designed to engage the output shaft 402. One such design could
include ridges and channels circumscribing the inner surface of the
aperture 406 that interconnect with the ridges and channels that
circumscribe the output shaft 402. Additionally, the connecting
bracket 510 could have a series of fasteners for engaging other
components of the header 102. The connecting bracket 510 also has
the screw-holes 404 on its side closest to the drive member 500. In
the exemplary embodiment, the screw-holes 404 are threaded for a
screw connection.
[0048] While the foregoing describes the drive member 500 and the
connecting bracket 510 as separate pieces that connect the drive
member 500 to the drive unit 400. Alternatively, some or all of the
bracketing components may be integrally formed together and/or with
the drive member 500 for connecting to the output shaft 402.
[0049] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 9, the bearing element
600 is configured as shown. The bearing element 600 includes a
rounded head 602 and a shaft 604 extending therefrom, or
vice-versa. The rounded head 602 is designed to fit within a cavity
1002, which is described in further detail below. The shaft 604 may
be integrally formed with the rounded head 602 but can
alternatively be removably connected by way of a fastener. In the
exemplary embodiment, the shaft 604 further has a tapered end 606
designed to fit through the through-hole 512 of the drive member
500. The remainder of the shaft 604 is designed to not fit through
the through-hole 512. The tapered end 606 may also include threads
such that a nut 408 can be used to secure the bearing element 600
to the drive member 500. Alternatively, the tapered end 606 can
include a through-hole 608 disposed to receive a dowel or screw to
secure the shaft 604 to the drive member 500.
[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the rounded head 602 also
includes a bearing or outer layer 610 surrounding the rounded head
602. The bearing 610 may be a round roller bearing circumscribing
the rounded head 602. Alternatively, the bearing 610 may instead be
a layer of a flexible material, like a polymer such as an
elastomer, for absorbing forces on the rounded head 602.
[0051] With additional reference now to FIG. 11, the bearing
element 600 can also include a seal, or cap, 1100 and/or a seal, or
cap, 1102. The seals 1100, 1102 can be made out of metal or a
polymer, such as an elastomer. The seal 1100 circumscribes the
bearing element 600 and is designed to contact the knife head
assembly 1000 in a sealing form to cover any gaps that may exist
between the bearing element 600 and the knife head assembly 1000.
The seal 1100 is positioned between the bearing element 600 and a
clamping portion 800 of the knife head assembly 1000. In other
words, the drive arm assembly 900 can further comprise a seal 1100
circumscribing the bearing element 600.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the seal 1100 can be an
elastomer ring with a hole large enough for the shaft 604 of the
bearing element 600 to fit through and slide onto the shaft 604 up
to the rounded head 602. In accordance with another exemplary
embodiment, the seal 1102 is removably affixed to the rounded head
602 at an end 612 of the bearing element 600. In other words, seal
1102 can act like a cap for covering an opening 814 between the
clamping portion 800 and the mounting bar 700.
[0053] It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
bearing 610 and the seals 1100, 1102 may be integrally formed with
the design of the bearing element 600. However, it is also
appreciated that the bearing 610 and the seals 1100, 1102 can
instead be reconfigured to be separate components designed to
engage the bearing element 600, mounting bar 700 or clamping
portion 800. Alternatively, the bearing 610 and the seals 1100,
1102 can instead be included with the mounting bar 700 and/or
clamping portion 800, as described in further detail below.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 7 and 10 the mounting bar 700
is configured as shown. The mounting bar 700 has a longitudinal
length extending parallel to the cutter bar 202A when assembled
thereto, a concave portion 702, one or more apertures 704 for
receiving fasteners for connecting to a clamping portion 800 and
one or more apertures 706 along the longitudinal length of the
mounting bar 700 for fastening a cutter bar to the mounting bar
700. Additionally, the concave portion 702 may also include an
aperture 708 for further securing the rounded head 602 within the
cavity 1002. Alternatively, the aperture 708 may instead be
replaced by any other suitable fastener, such as an adhesive
surface. The concave portion 702 may additionally include a bearing
surface or an otherwise modified surface for engaging the rounded
head 602. Additionally, the mounting bar 700 may include features
for engaging the seals 1100, 1102 such as grooves 1104 or clasps
1106.
[0055] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 8 and 10, the clamping portion
800 is configured as shown. The clamping portion 800 has an outer
surface 802 that is arcuate in shape with two ends 804, 806 and
apertures 808. The clamping portion 800 further has a concave
portion 810 that is also arcuate in shape between the two ends 804,
806 on an inside surface of the clamping portion 800. The concave
portion 810 is designed to receive the rounded head 602. The
concave portion 810 is further configured to overlap and be in
communication with the concave portion 702 of the mounting bar 700.
Accordingly, when the clamping portion 800 and mounting bar 700 are
secured together, they collectively form the cavity 1002. In other
words, the rounded head 602 is mounted within the cavity 1002
defining a pivot joint. Additionally the apertures 808 at the two
ends 804, 806 are designed such that they overlap with the aperture
704 of the mounting bar 700.
[0056] While it is desired that the clamping portion 800 and
concave portion 810 be arcuate in shape, the clamping portion 800
may be any other shape suitable with respect to space claims and
limitations inside the header 102, such as a square, trapezoid, and
so forth. However, it is appreciated that the design of the
clamping portion 800 and concave portion 810 is such that it may
efficiently be assembled with the mounting bar 700 and bearing
element 600 and so that the bearing element 600 is securely held in
place inside the cavity 1002.
[0057] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the apertures
704, 706, 708, 808 are through-holes configured to receive dowels
by way of press fit for securing the bearing element 600, the
mounting bar 700, the clamping portion 800 and the cutter bar 202A
together. However, instead of apertures and dowels alternative
mechanisms for connecting two or more elements such as, for
example, screws, bolts, rivets, and the like may be used.
Additionally, it is appreciated that the apertures 704, 706, 708 do
not all have to be incorporated into the present invention and can
be omitted if they are unnecessary, such as, for example, the
aperture 708.
[0058] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the concave
portion 810 forms the opening 812 that faces the drive arm assembly
900 when assembled as shown in FIG. 3. As shown additionally in
FIG. 11, the clamping portion 800 has an opening 814 facing away
from the knife drive assembly 900 such that the rounded head 602 of
the bearing element 600 can partially fit through, as shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, the opening 814
may instead be bounded by the seal 1102.
[0059] Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the concave
portion 810 may also include an inner concave bearing 1108 for
engaging the rounded head 602. The bearing 1108 can be a roller
bearing or an intermediate bearing layer. Circumscribing the
bearing 1108 can be a bearing surface or housing 1110.
[0060] It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that the drive
member 500, bearing element 600, mounting bar 700 and clamping
portion 800 may be integrally formed with one another, and/or their
individual components such as the rounded head 602, in several
manners without departing form the scope of the present invention.
For example, in one embodiment, the drive member 500 and bearing
element 600 are integrally formed; in another embodiment, the
bearing element 600 and clamping portion 800 are integrally formed;
and in yet another embodiment the clamping portion 800, the rounded
head 602 and the mounting bar 700 are integrally formed, and so
forth.
[0061] With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, 9 and 10, there is
illustrated an assembled drive arm assembly 900 and knife head
assembly 1000 inside the header 102 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] The cutting assembly 200A includes a cutter bar 202A
connected to the knife head assembly 1000 which is connected to the
drive arm assembly 900 driven by the drive unit 400. For
convenience purposes only, references will be made only with
respect to the first cutting assembly 200A for describing the
connections in more detail below, and not the second cutting
assembly 200B. It is understood, however, that the second cutting
assembly 200B is similarly connected as the first cutting assembly
200A.
[0063] With respect to the drive arm assembly 900, the drive unit
400 is operatively connected to the output shaft 402. The output
shaft 402 is connected to the drive member 500, by, for example,
extending through the aperture 406 of the connecting bracket 510
attached to the drive member 500 and by interconnecting the ridges
and channels circumscribing the output shaft 402 and the inner
surface of the aperture 406.
[0064] In the exemplary embodiment, the bearing element 600 is
connected at its shaft 604 to the distal end 504 of the drive
member 500. In other words, the bearing element 600 includes a
shaft 604 extending from the rounded head 602 and connected to the
drive member 500. The connection is made via a through-hole 512
extending through the distal end 504 at its distally facing side
514. It can be appreciated that there are other connection methods
available such as, but not limited to, welding or integrally
forming the drive member 500 to the bearing element 600. The
tapered end 606 extends through through-hole 512 and exits near the
proximal end 502 into the gap 508. Because the bearing element 600
has a tapered end 606, the entire longitudinal length of the
bearing element 600 cannot fit through the through-hole 512. The
bearing element 600 is then fastened at the drive member 500 by
means of, for example, a nut and bolt 408 on the tapered end 606
and/or a dowel force-fit into the through-hole 608.
[0065] The through-hole 512 is located on a distally facing side
514 of the drive member 500 such that when the bearing element 600
is secured to the drive member 500, the bearing element 600 extends
out of the drive member 500 in cantilever relation to the knife
head assembly 1000.
[0066] With respect to the knife head assembly 1000, the rounded
head 602 is positioned over the concave portion 702 of the mounting
bar 700. The clamping portion 800 is fastened over the rounded head
602 to the mounting bar 700 such that the two form a cavity 1002
for the rounded head 602 to be secured in. The clamping portion 800
is then secured to the mounting bar 700, e.g., by way of dowels
extending through the apertures 704, 808, such as those shown in
FIG. 12. Use of dowels provide the ease of assembling and
disassembling the knife head assembly 1000. However, it is
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the connection may be
accomplished in any number of ways including, but not limited to,
screws, welding, hooks, clasps, grooves, rivets and receiving holes
and so forth.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 2, the first cutter bar 202A is attached
to the mounting bar 700, e.g., nuts and bolts through the apertures
706. It is to be appreciated that there is no rigid requirement
concerning the number of apertures or fasteners. The foregoing
exemplary embodiment may be practiced with any number of connection
methods and connection points.
[0068] It can be thus understood by those skilled in the art that
the bearing element 600 extends through the opening 812 between the
mounting bar 700 and the clamping portion 800. It is appreciated
then that while the cavity 1002 is large enough to receive and
cradle the rounded head 602, the opening 812 is smaller than the
rounded head 602 but larger than the shaft 604 of the bearing
element 600. Consequently, the bearing element 600 is held in place
collectively by the clamping portion 800 and mounting bar 700.
While the shaft 604 can be integrally formed with the rounded head
602, it can be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment, the
shaft can 604 can be a separate piece to be removably attached to
the rounded head 602 by way of, for example, a screw and thread
connection.
[0069] An additional aspect of this exemplary embodiment is that
the mounting bar 700 and the clamping portion 800, with the cavity
1002 and the opening 812, securely fasten the bearing element 600
such that the movement of the bearing element 600 is minimized.
However, while bearing element 600 is secured, it is permitted
marginal, if any, motion between the rounded head 602 and the
bearings around it, such as the bearing 610, bearing 1108 and
bearing surface 1110 or any combination thereof.
[0070] In an exemplary aspect, the clamping portion 800 is mounted
to an upper surface of the mounting bar 700 and the bearing element
600 protrudes out of the cavity 1002 in cantilever relation to the
drive arm assembly 900 such that the opening 812 faces the drive
member 500. In other words, the clamping portion 800 and the
mounting bar 700 define an opening 812 facing the distal end 504 of
the drive member 500 in communication with the cavity 1002 for
receiving the bearing element 600 and the opening 812 faces the a
direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal length of
the mounting bar 700 and substantially parallel to an upper surface
of the mounting bar 700. Put differently, the clamping portion 800
and the mounting bar 700 define an opening 812 in communication
with the cavity 1002 for receiving the bearing element 600, and the
opening 514 faces a direction substantially transverse to a
longitudinal length of the mounting bar 700.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, in the exemplary
embodiment, the present invention operates by causing reciprocating
motion of the mounting bar 700 and consequently the first cutter
bar 202A. As the drive unit 400 is engaged in reciprocating
rotational motion, the rotational motion of the drive unit 400 is
transferred to the output shaft 402 which begins to rotate in
reciprocating fashion. As the output shaft 402 rotates, the
connecting bracket 510, which is secured to the output shaft 402,
transfers the rotational motion to the drive member 500 and the
drive member 500 arcs in a reciprocating longitudinal
direction.
[0072] As the drive member 500 engages in reciprocating arcing
motion, the bearing element 600 that extends in cantilever relation
from the drive member 500 arcs with it. Because the bearing element
600 is held by the cavity 1002 in a ball and socket joint like
manner, the bearing element 600 pivots within the cavity 1002, or
more specifically between the bearings inside the cavity 1002
either around the bearing element 600 or a part of the clamping
portion 800 and/or the mounting bar 700. As the bearing element 600
pivots, the bearing element 600 transfers the reciprocating motion
to the knife head assembly 1000. Consequently, the knife head
assembly 1000 engages in reciprocating linear motion generally in a
longitudinal direction.
[0073] As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the bearing element 600
pivots while it is inside the cavity 1002. This is accomplished by
orientating the opening 812 to face the distal end 504 of the drive
member 500 in a horizontal orientation, such that the bearing
element 600 connects the drive member 500 to the knife head
assembly 1000 in cantilever relation. The bearing element 600 is
also oriented above and perpendicular to the mounting bar 700
without extending through the mounting bar 700. Further, the
opening 812 faces a direction that is substantially perpendicular
to a longitudinal length of the mounting bar 700 and substantially
parallel to an upper surface of the mounting bar 700. Therefore,
the reciprocating motion of the drive arm assembly 900 drives
substantially linear motion of the knife head assembly 1000 along a
direction
[0074] It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that linear
motion can be reinforced with the addition of linear bearings on
the cutter bar 202A or the mounting bar 700. The benefit of having
a pivot joint with varying degrees of freedom is that it is not
restricted from accommodating unforeseen and unexpected forces. For
example, as an agricultural combine travels over an uneven field,
there will be forces pushing up and down against the cutter bar at
some spots but not others. A rigid joint would face those forces
and fail much quicker than a pivot joint that can accommodate such
forces by pivoting in the appropriate direction. Thus, the cutting
assemblies 200A will have improved life expectancy and operate more
efficiently with less mechanical failure issues than a typical
cutter assembly.
[0075] Additionally, it can also be appreciated that the present
invention is configured such that the assembly tolerances between
the various components do not have to be so small as to inhibit
construction if the components are not perfectly manufactured. For
example, the spherical or arced shape of the rounded head 602
and/or the concave portion 810 of the clamping portion 800, by
nature of their spherical shape, can have a significant dimensional
variance and still operate as desired.
[0076] During reciprocating motion, because forces will be on the
bearing element 600, it is likely that the bearing element 600 may
fail at some point. Thus, it is desirable that the bearing element
600 be easily replaceable. In the present invention, the cutter bar
202A can be removed from knife head assembly 1000 by releasing the
fasteners from the apertures 706. Then the mounting bar 700 and the
clamping portion 800 can be separated by removing the dowels from
the clamping portion's 800 and mounting bar's 700 respective
apertures 808, 708. The bearing element 600 can then be removed
from the drive member 500 by releasing the nut 408 and sliding the
tapered end 606 out of through-hole 512. Thereafter, the bearing
element 600 can be easily replaced and the drive arm assembly 900
and the knife head assembly 1000 can be put back together.
[0077] While the present invention has been described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the present invention. For example, features described in
one embodiment may be incorporated into a different embodiment,
such as the use of bearings around the bearing element and/or
inside the cavity. Additionally, features described in one manner
may instead be accomplished by known techniques in the art, such as
the methods of making a pivotable connection.
[0078] In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the present invention
without departing from the essential scope thereof. For example,
the headers and knife drives may only utilize a single cutter blade
or two or more cutter blades, or be located centrally to the header
or on the side of the header, the bearing element, clamping
portion, drive member, and mounting bar may be non-uniformly shaped
or be non-planar. It is to be understood, therefore, that the
present invention not be limited to the particular aspects
disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *